Police said de Belin was at a Wollongong nightclub in the early hours of Sunday with a group of people he knew before he, the 19-year-old woman who made the complaint and another man left.
The woman told police that after she left the Crown St nightclub she tried to hail an Uber but couldn’t.
She said she, de Belin and the other man then caught a taxi and she believed they were going to another nightclub but they went to a unit in Wollongong’s CBD about 1.30am.
Jack de Belin makes a break during the Round 25 NRL match between the Dragons and Knights. Picture: AAP
It is alleged the players said they needed to get changed and she accompanied them into the unit to use the toilet.
The woman told police that when she came out of the toilet she was assaulted.
Afterwards she showered, told a friend what had allegedly happened and went to a local hospital for treatment.
On Monday, De Belin made St George Illawarra aware that a potential incident has emerged.
Jack de Belin celebrates with teammates in the change rooms following their win over the Maroons in Game 2 of the 2018 State of Origin series. Picture: AAP
Police will allege the incident took place in the presence of the other man, who is not an NRL level rugby league player.
A police source said that player was yet to be questioned over his role.
The Daily Telegraph has learnt De Belin’s teammate Jai Field could be a key witness, as he spent time with the woman earlier in the evening.
There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Field and he is not under police investigation.
St George Illawarra are not expected to stand down De Belin until the outcome of the court case is determined.
He has told club officials he will vehemently fight the charges.
The Dragons this afternoon put out a statement on the matter.
“The club is taking the matter very seriously and have been working with Jack and all relevant authorities, including the police and the NRL integrity unit, since this time,” the statement read.
“Jack has been provided with welfare support to enable him the time and opportunity to deal with the matter.
“As this is a police matter to be considered by the court, the club is not in a position to make any further comment.”
More information
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/n...e/news-story/fe5989846510edc724c325c50ef70a06
